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People who are fascinated by the human experience may choose to pursue studies in psychology or sociology. Here’s some information about the similarities and differences between the two disciplines. 

Studying behavioral and social sciences like psychology and sociology can give insight into complex global and personal problems. Researchers and practitioners in the two fields can contribute to improving community well-being, public policy and mental health. 

When comparing psychology and sociology, it can be helpful to look at the histories of the two disciplines. Psychology emerged in the late 19th century as a way to understand human behavior amid industrialization across the world. German physician Wilhelm Wundt opened the first experimental psychology lab in 1879, becoming the “father of psychology.” In 1890, William James published The Principles of Psychology,” a major text in the field. Then, around the turn of the century, Sigmund Freud emerged as an influential voice in psychology, introducing the concept of the unconscious mind.

Psychology has become the foundation of mental health treatment, with practitioners helping people access evidence-based therapies for psychological disorders like depression and anxiety. In some industries, the discipline has even become a part of the workplace, with companies hiring professionals to help prevent burnout.

The history of modern sociology, meanwhile, goes back even further than that of psychology: French philosopher Auguste Comte coined the term in 1838, arguing that society could be studied using the same scientific methods as natural science. However, it wasn’t until 1890 that a University of Kansas professor named Frank Blackmar taught a .

Sociology gives organizations evidence-based data to design better social programs and create systemic change. It also helps inform public policy and improve institutions.

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It examines the relationship between brain function and behavior, such as thoughts, memory and emotions. Then one can apply that knowledge to improve, influence or explain the psycho-emotional well-being of an individual.

People who research psychology use the scientific method in their work — stating a hypothesis, offering a theory, and then embarking on controlled experiments to test the hypothesis.

The main subfields of psychology include:

• Clinical: Treating mental, emotional and behavioral disorders in multiple settings, including hospitals, community mental health clinics and private practices
• Cognitive: Studying and unlocking the secrets behind memory or attention — or a lack thereof
• Developmental: Observing how people change throughout their life; this is particularly relevant in children
• Neuroscience: Looking at how the brain’s structure affects behavior and other aspects of personality
• Social: Learning how people relate to each other

The three main research methods in the field of psychology are:

• Descriptive: Researchers observe, record and describe behavior without manipulating or interacting with it.
• Correlational: They examine the relationship between two or more variables to see if they change together.
• Experimental: Practitioners perform research on cause and effect, manipulating one variable to observe its impact on a dependent variable; one of the most famous experiments is .

Psychology and sociology complement each other because they examine the same coin from opposite sides: Psychology focuses on the internal, while sociology studies external happenings. However, they are still distinct disciplines and not just a different perspective. Psychology primarily focuses on how individuals think, feel and behave; and sociology primarily is looking at how social and culture influences have affected society, institutions and groups.

Sociology examines how social structures, such as class and gender, affect individual behaviors. It also looks at how individuals may impact society as a whole.

A few of the main subfields of sociology are:

• Social stratification: People’s wealth, race, education and power can play a big role in their social class. This, in turn, can dictate their access to resources and upward mobility, which is what this subfield focuses on.
• Family: A family is the primary unit of socialization, and it is often the foundation upon which other social structures are built.
• Criminology: This is the study of the causes and consequences of crime.
• Urban studies: In this subfield, researchers study the social, political and economic effects of different city environments. They also consider the gentrification and segregation of neighborhoods.
• Culture: Culture shapes the beliefs and values of groups, and it shapes how community responses vary according to the environment.

Some of the most common research methods in sociology include:

• Surveys: Developing a series of standardized questions through which a researcher can collect data
• Ethnography: Conducting extended observation of a social setting, often by participating
• Content analysis: Identifying patterns, themes and meanings in recorded communications
• Comparative studies: Examining similarities and differences across societies and cultures to identify patterns

While both disciplines have many aspects in common, they are distinct from each other. The biggest difference between psychology and sociology is their scope of study: Psychology focuses on the individual, while sociology examines human behavior as it relates to groups of people.

There are other ways the two disciplines are different, as well:

• Psychology tends to fall more within the realm of medical science, while sociology requires an understanding of social theory and public policy.
• While psychology uses clinical and experimental methods to gain information, sociology is more field-based and often involves population studies.
• A psychology degree can be applied to both research jobs and positions that work closely with individuals. On the other hand, a sociology degree is usually applied to a job that encompasses many different people.

Though psychology and sociology are very different fields of study, they do share some common attributes, including:

• A focus on problem-solving: Whether they are working on an individual or group basis, practitioners in both fields want to improve human lives.
• Their need for research: Both fields of study rely on quantitative and qualitative data collection, statistical analysis and critical thinking.
• Shared subject matter: Both disciplines want to gain a better understanding of human beings.

Social psychology pulls from both sociology and psychology. Social psychology looks at the individual and their social environment, and how they are interrelated. Practitioners in this field of study examine how people’s thoughts and feelings are influenced by the presence of others. They focus on how people are persuaded to change their beliefs, the dynamics of human connection and how group behavior affects individual decision-making. They learn:

• How they see themselves and how others see them
• About the power of social influence and how that can affect both individuals and groups
• The factors that motivate individuals to help others in need or contribute to charities, which in turn can be used to begin societal changes

Both disciplines require students to take a wide variety of courses.

Students who are studying psychology may take courses on:

• Behavioral psychology 
• Cognitive psychology 
• Cyber communication
• Developmental psychology
• Digital learning
• Ethical and social responsibility
• Scientific inquiry
• Scientific mindedness
• Social media and human interaction
• Social psychology
• Technology and society

Students who are studying sociology may take courses on:

• Human behavior, social structures and culture
• Research methods
• Statistics
• Sociological theory

Although ������ý does not offer programs in sociology, it does have several options for students who want to study psychology and learn about the differences and similarities between psychology and sociology. Options include:

• Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology
• Bachelor of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Master of Science in Psychology
• Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

For more information, contact ������ý.